One of the four siblings of the Titan Pallas and the eldest Oceanid, Styx, Kratos was, for the Ancient Greeks, a personification of brute Strength or Power.

His brother and both of his sisters were embodiments of similar traits. Zelus represented Zeal, Aspiration, Emulation, and Glory; Nike was the personification of Victory; and Bia of Might and Force.

Hesiod describes them as “wonderful children” and recounts how they earned their status and reputation.

Namely, when Zeus was preparing for the Titanomachy, he tried to assemble as many allies as possible, by promising whoever fights with him a divine office and appropriate rights. At the advice of her father Oceanus, Styx was the first one to join his forces, bringing with herself her four children. Zeus repaid her by declaring that, from then on, all gods will swear their oaths by her sacred waters and that Styx’ four children will live with him forevermore.

Consequently, Kratos and his siblings have no dwelling place but Zeus himself, i.e., they are aspects of his personality and authority.